SMALL BUSINESSES
Project Living Hope is excited to have in the works several small business employment opportunities. In Haiti, only about 20% of adults have formal employment. These businesses are designed to create jobs, generate sustainable income for the organization, and increase the self-sufficiency of the community by providing a local resource for drinking water, protein and fruit.
The goal was to launch the first businesses by mid-2022. Unfortunately, the challenges in Haiti increased, delaying these plans. We were unable to ship in the container of building materials for the chicken coops and equipment for the kitchen. We have also been unable to acquire the needed equipment for the fruit dryer and water purification center or the windows for the buildings. Despite all the challenges with materials, country shut downs, and increased prices, construction of the kitchen and water center has been completed.
Fruit Orchard
Impact: Vendors will be able to come pick citrus and other fruits in bulk to resell.
Status: Trees have been planted and are making progress.
Kitchen
Impact: The kitchen will provide lunches to the PLH staff and academy players. Students, spectators, and visitors will be able to purchase meals and drinks.
Status: Construction is complete. Equipment to outfit the kitchen has been purchased and is in Port-au-Prince and Oregon waiting for the opportunity to be delivered to the campus.
Solar Fruit Dehydrator
Impact: PLH will purchase mangoes, breadfruit, and other produce locally. It will then be dried and packaged or ground into a nutritious flour in the case of breadfruit. The products can be used throughout the year and sold at a profit.
Status: The dehydrator has been delivered, but the manufacturer has been unable to acquire the final piece to make it operational.
Water Purification Center
Impact: The nearest purified water center for our community is a 15-minute drive away. The PLH water center will provide the community with a reliable and affordable place to purchase water as well as provide drinking water for our campus and programs.
Status: Construction is complete. Funds have been provided for the purchase of the purification system. Staff are working to improve the wells on the PLH campus.
Chicken Coop
Impact: The PLH laying-hen business will create a local source of protein. Vendors will be able to purchase eggs in bulk to resell. Each of the four coops is designed to hold 250 chickens.
Status: Materials for the first two coops have been acquired and are waiting to be shipped to Haiti. Thanks to the generosity of donors on Giving Tuesday, funds have been raised for the purchasing of chicks.